Question

Organic Evolution cannot be equated with progress. Explain with the help of a suitable example.

Answer 1

Evolution cannot always be equated to progress because it does not always lead to the formation of a new species. In fact, most of the times, it leads to the generation of diversity. One species does not necessarily get eliminated to give rise to a new one. Both species can continue to survive in prevailing environments. Also, the newly formed species may have complex organization because of evolution but it cannot be considered 'better' to the earlier species. Many older and simpler designs still survive in nature. For example, bacteria are one of the simplest life forms on Earth and still, they can survive in the most adverse conditions, such as hot springs, deep sea thermal vents, etc. Therefore, having more complex body design does not make any species superior to other.